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August 29th: Memorial of the Passion of Saint John the Baptist
Gospel text
Mk 6:17-29
Mk 6:17-29
Herod was the one who had John the Baptist arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married. John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”
Gospel's Commentary
Today we witness the sorrowful and glorious end of Saint John the Baptist. Sorrowful because of Herod and his circle; glorious because of John’s courageous witness. It is astonishing how far morbid fascination can go when someone lives a false life. A party, some dancing… “What should I ask for?” asked Herodias’ daughter. And her wretched mother answered: “The head of John.” Truly, in very bad taste!
—If someone wants another person’s head, it is because he has lost his own. Would it not be better to listen to the Baptist?